Planning a Southeast Asia adventure and wondering whether Thailand or Vietnam offers better value for your travel budget? Both destinations are renowned for their affordability, stunning landscapes, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. But when it comes to stretching your travel dollars, which country comes out on top?
In this comprehensive trip budget comparison, we’ll break down the costs of visiting Thailand versus Vietnam across accommodation, food, transportation, activities, and more. Whether you’re a backpacker on a shoestring budget or a comfortable traveler seeking good value, this guide will help you plan your perfect Southeast Asia trip. And if you want to see our full Vienam itinerary from our trip to Da Nang and Hoi An, check out the family blog!
💰 Want a personalized budget estimate? Use our trip budget calculator to get customized budget ranges based on your city and travel preferences. It only takes 30 seconds!
Overview: Thailand vs Vietnam Travel Costs
Both Thailand and Vietnam are budget-friendly destinations compared to Western countries, but there are notable differences in pricing across various categories. Generally speaking, Vietnam tends to be slightly cheaper than Thailand, particularly in smaller cities and rural areas. However, popular Thai destinations like Bangkok and Chiang Mai remain incredibly affordable and competitive with Vietnamese prices.
Your actual travel costs will depend on your travel style, the cities you visit, the season you travel, and how you allocate your budget. Let’s dive into the specifics.
Accommodation Costs: Hotels and Hostels
Budget Accommodation
Thailand: Budget travelers can find decent hostel dorms for $5-12 USD per night in most cities. Private budget rooms in guesthouses typically range from $15-25 USD per night.
Vietnam: Hostel beds in Vietnam cost slightly less, averaging $4-10 USD per night. Private budget rooms are available for $12-20 USD per night, making Vietnam marginally cheaper for budget accommodation.
Mid-Range Hotels
Thailand: Comfortable mid-range hotels with amenities like pools and breakfast cost $30-60 USD per night in most areas.
Vietnam: Similar mid-range properties in Vietnam run $25-50 USD per night, offering slightly better value.
Luxury Accommodation
Both countries offer exceptional luxury accommodation at prices far below what you’d pay in Europe or North America. High-end resorts and boutique hotels range from $80-200+ USD per night in both destinations.
Winner: Vietnam edges ahead slightly for accommodation value, though the difference is minimal.
Ready to book your stay? Search hotels in Thailand or find deals in Vietnam.
Food and Dining Costs
Street Food and Local Restaurants
Thailand: Thai street food is legendary and affordable. Expect to pay $1-3 USD for dishes like pad thai, som tam, or a bowl of noodles. A meal at a local restaurant costs $3-6 USD.
Vietnam: Vietnamese street food is even cheaper, with iconic dishes like pho, banh mi, and bun cha costing $1-2.50 USD. Local restaurant meals run $2-5 USD.
Mid-Range and Tourist Restaurants
Thailand: Dining at tourist-oriented or mid-range restaurants costs $8-15 USD per person.
Vietnam: Similar restaurants in Vietnam charge $6-12 USD per person.
Beverages
Local beer costs around $1-2 USD in both countries. Fresh fruit smoothies and Vietnamese coffee are incredibly cheap in Vietnam ($1-2 USD), while Thai iced tea and fresh coconut water are similarly affordable in Thailand.
Winner: Vietnam is noticeably cheaper for food, especially if you eat like a local.
Transportation Costs
Local Transportation
Thailand: Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain and MRT subway cost $0.50-1.50 USD per trip. Tuk-tuks and taxis are widely available but require negotiation. Grab (rideshare) is popular and affordable. Songthaews (shared pickup trucks) in cities like Chiang Mai cost $0.30-0.50 USD.
Vietnam: Taxis and Grab rides in Vietnam are slightly cheaper than Thailand. Motorbike taxis are an ultra-cheap option ($0.50-2 USD for short trips). However, Vietnam has less developed public transit systems outside of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Long-Distance Travel
Thailand: Overnight buses cost $15-30 USD. Trains range from $10-40 USD depending on class and distance. Domestic flights between major cities start at $30-60 USD.
Vietnam: Vietnam’s sleeper buses are comparable at $15-25 USD. The Reunification Express train offers scenic journeys at similar prices to Thailand. Domestic flights are competitive, starting around $25-50 USD.
Winner: Tie. Both countries offer affordable transportation options with Vietnam having a slight edge for local transit and Thailand offering better public transport infrastructure in major cities.
Planning your flights? Compare flights to Thailand or search flights to Vietnam.
🧮 Calculate your personalized trip budget! Our trip budget calculator helps you estimate costs based on your specific travel style and preferences. Get started in just 30 seconds!
Activities and Attractions
Temples and Cultural Sites
Thailand: Many temples are free to enter, though major attractions like the Grand Palace in Bangkok cost around $15-17 USD. Most temple entry fees range from $2-8 USD.
Vietnam: Historical sites and temples in Vietnam typically cost $1-5 USD. Notable exceptions include tourist attractions in Hoi An and Hue, which may charge $5-10 USD.
Tours and Excursions
Thailand: Day tours range from $25-60 USD. Popular activities like elephant sanctuaries, island hopping, and cooking classes cost $30-80 USD.
Vietnam: Similar tours in Vietnam cost $20-50 USD. Halong Bay cruises (overnight) range from $80-200 USD depending on quality.
Adventure Activities
Scuba diving, rock climbing, kayaking, and other adventure sports are available in both countries at comparable prices ($30-100 USD depending on the activity).
Winner: Vietnam is slightly cheaper for most activities and entrance fees.
Looking for things to do? Browse activities in Thailand or discover experiences in Vietnam.
Other Travel Expenses
SIM Cards and Internet
Tourist SIM cards with generous data packages cost $10-20 USD for 7-30 days in both countries. WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants.
Laundry
Laundry services cost $1-3 USD per kilogram in both Thailand and Vietnam.
Massages and Spa Treatments
Thailand: Traditional Thai massage costs $5-10 USD per hour. Thailand is famous for its spa culture.
Vietnam: Massages in Vietnam cost $4-8 USD per hour, slightly cheaper than Thailand.
Sample Daily Budgets: Thailand vs Vietnam
Budget Traveler
Thailand: $25-35 USD per day (hostel dorm, street food, local transport, free/cheap activities)
Vietnam: $20-30 USD per day (hostel dorm, street food, local transport, budget activities)
Mid-Range Traveler
Thailand: $50-80 USD per day (private room, mix of local and tourist restaurants, some tours, occasional taxi/Grab)
Vietnam: $40-70 USD per day (private room, varied dining, tours, comfortable transport)
Comfortable/Luxury Traveler
Thailand: $100-200+ USD per day (nice hotels, diverse dining, frequent tours and activities, convenient transport)
Vietnam: $80-180+ USD per day (quality hotels, excellent dining, premium experiences)
Seasonal Considerations
Prices in both countries fluctuate based on season. High season (November-March) sees increased accommodation prices, especially in beach destinations. Booking in advance and traveling during shoulder season (April-May, September-October) can save you 20-40% on accommodation and tours.
Vietnam’s Tet holiday (Lunar New Year, usually late January or February) sees price increases and booking challenges. Thailand’s Songkran festival (mid-April) similarly affects availability and pricing.
Which Country is Cheaper Overall?
Vietnam is slightly cheaper overall, particularly for food, accommodation in smaller cities, and entrance fees to attractions. You can comfortably travel Vietnam on $20-30 USD per day as a budget traveler, compared to $25-35 USD in Thailand.
However, the difference is marginal, and Thailand offers excellent value, especially in cities like Chiang Mai and less touristy areas. Thailand also has better tourist infrastructure, more English speakers, and easier logistics, which can save you time and stress.
The bottom line: Both countries are incredibly affordable. Your choice should depend more on the experiences you’re seeking rather than pure budget considerations. Thailand offers pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and polished tourism infrastructure. Vietnam delivers authentic cultural experiences, incredible food diversity, and dramatic landscapes.
Money-Saving Tips for Both Countries
- Eat where locals eat: Street food and local restaurants offer the best value and most authentic flavors.
- Use local transportation: Skip expensive tourist taxis and use buses, trains, or rideshare apps.
- Book accommodation directly: Sometimes you can negotiate better rates by booking directly with hotels or guesthouses.
- Travel during shoulder season: Avoid peak tourist season for better prices and fewer crowds.
- Bargain respectfully: Haggling is expected in markets and with tuk-tuk drivers, but be fair and friendly.
- Take advantage of free activities: Temples, beaches, markets, and hiking are often free or very cheap.
- Buy a local SIM card: Much cheaper than international roaming for staying connected.
- Book tours through local operators: Often cheaper than booking through your hotel or international websites.
Final Verdict: Thailand vs Vietnam Budget Comparison
While Vietnam edges ahead as the slightly cheaper destination, both Thailand and Vietnam offer exceptional value for travelers. The cost difference is minor enough that it shouldn’t be the primary factor in your decision.
Consider combining both countries in a single Southeast Asia trip! With affordable flights between Bangkok, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City, you can experience the best of both worlds without breaking the bank.
🎯 Ready to plan your trip? Get personalized budget estimates for Thailand, Vietnam, or anywhere else you want to visit using our trip budget calculator. Enter your travel style and get customized ranges in just 30 seconds!
Plan Your Southeast Asia Adventure
Whether you choose Thailand, Vietnam, or both, you’re in for an incredible adventure filled with delicious food, stunning scenery, rich culture, and warm hospitality—all at prices that make extended travel possible.
Start planning your trip today:
- Find flights to Bangkok or search flights to Hanoi
- Browse hotels in Thailand or find accommodation in Vietnam
- Discover activities in Thailand or explore experiences in Vietnam
- Use our trip budget calculator to create a personalized budget for your Southeast Asia adventure
Safe travels, and enjoy your budget-friendly Southeast Asian adventure! 🌏✈️